Ingalls is a developing town near Indianapolis
Ingalls is a growing town about 27 miles from Indianapolis. “People like the proximity to Indianapolis and surrounding communities, but they still have that small-town charm,” says Neil Stevenson, town manager and the director of planning and development. He partially attributes the charm to Ingalls’ downtown area, where homes, churches and the Town Hall date back to the late 19th century, when the area was a destination for the Big Four Rail Company, now called CSX. “Our town hall is actually the old Interurban ticket office and power station for the Interurban rail line that ran through here,” Stevenson says. Today, the town is home to industries like manufacturing and warehousing, as well as commuters traveling into Indianapolis. There is a lot of farmland in the area.
Newer homes are common, especially by the interstate
Ingalls’ growth is evident in the housing market, where most properties were built after 2000. New traditional homes, often with colonial or Craftsman influences, fill subdivisions with sidewalks, wide roads and manicured lawns. Older houses near downtown include minimal traditional cottages and homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and mid-20th century ranch styles. Fall Creek runs through the region, surrounded by woodlands and fields. “There’s some housing and homesteads in that area,” Stevenson says. “There is a lot of farmlands.” Prices typically range from $190,000 to $425,000.
South Madison schools serve Ingalls’ students
Ingalls is part of the South Madison Community School Corporation. Maple Ridge Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, while seventh and eighth-grade students are taught at Pendleton Heights Middle School. Both schools receive a B from Niche. Pendleton Heights High School earns a B-plus and offers career and technical education pathways like advanced manufacturing and public safety.
Interstate 69 and U.S. Route 36 offer routes to Indianapolis
Residents rely on cars to get around. Interstate 69 and U.S. Route 36 both lead to Indianapolis. Ascension St. Vincent Fishers Hospital is about an 8-mile drive. Indianapolis International Airport is about 40 miles away and offers direct flights to over 50 destinations.
Residents dine at new restaurants and local favorites
As the area has grown, several restaurants have opened near the interstate. Taylor’s Bar & Table is one of the newer eateries and has two sections: family friendly and 21-and-up only. Locals still head downtown to grab a drink at The Music Box or go to Final Third Cigar & Whiskey Lounge. “It’s pretty well-known in the area, so many people will come from out of town to have a smoke and a whiskey,” Stevenson says. While residents can get necessities at the Dollar General in town, they travel to the Needler’s in Pendleton or the Kroger in Fishers for groceries. Walmart, Target and Lowe’s are all about a 15-mile drive.
Recreation opportunities include town parks and a racetrack
Interurban Park is one of two parks in town. Besides its sports courts and a skate park, Interurban is home to the Ingalls Motor Speedway. While only members can drive on the quarter-scale racetrack, anyone can watch. There is a playground at Jesse Ireton Memorial Park. About 5 miles away is Flat Fork Creek Park, where hiking trails go past fishing ponds and a sledding hill. There are also several mountain bike trails.
Fall Festival is the most popular of the town’s seasonal celebrations
The town of Ingalls hosts four celebrations throughout the year, the most popular of which is the Fall Festival. There are food trucks and artisan vendors, and kids can jump in a bounce house. There is also live music. “It’s a way for people to come out and see neighbors that they can’t see all the time,” Stevenson says. There is also the Spring Block Party, the Summer Car Show and the Winter Holiday Event, where children can visit Santa and reindeer.
